Important Tips on Video Blogging

Blogging has been one of the main platforms of communicating to an audience over the Internet for years now. It has evolved a lot with websites offering services such as podcast photo blogging and video blogging. Recently, video blogging has been very famous due to the rise of YouTube, currently the most well-know video hosting site on the World Wide Web right now.

A lot of personalities have emerged due to their fame caused by their own channels on YouTube where they host their own video blogs. Here are some useful tips if in case you’d like to set up your own channel:

Equipment

A good video blogger doesn’t need expensive equipment. As long as everything functions well, there is no need to spend an exorbitant amount of money for it. For beginners, their web cameras can be used to record their blogs. Software is also a factor when it comes to equipment, as you have to edit your video before posting it on the Internet.

Lighting and location is also important during recording. You should record your video in a place wherein the lighting is good and stray sounds from the outside won’t get recorded on your blog. You don’t have to buy lighting equipment, taking advantage of natural light is enough and can actually be flattering for your features.

The backdrop of your video is also important. It shouldn’t be distracting to the viewers. A plain background is enough if you’re planning on staying in one position during the rest of the video. But if you’re planning on going on location, then there is no need to worry that much about your backdrop, as long as your lighting is sufficient enough.

Content

Your content should be something that is relevant to your own interests. Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience and ask yourself: Would I follow this video blog after the first post?

You must be willing to watch other video blogs in order to get some tips on how to execute your thoughts properly. Video blogging is very different from normal blogging wherein you can always edit out your thoughts even days after you’ve posted. With video blogging, once you upload, you can’t edit it unless you want to take it down and do the uploading process all over again.

Don’t be afraid to air out your own thoughts. The main purpose of your video blog is to share a piece of your life and your mind to the world. As long as what you’re saying isn’t offensive to somebody’s culture or religion, you’re good to go.

Hosting your video

YouTube has been garnering a lot of channels dedicated to video blogs. Most video bloggers find the site useful when it comes to uploading. Also, due to its “suggested videos” feature, it becomes easier to get viewers.

Either way, make sure that you promote your video enough to garner a handful of viewers. In time, that number will increase until you get a steady stream of loyal viewers of your channel.

Leave a Reply:

John,
Good primer for video blogging. I agree that you don’t need to spend a lot of money getting started. If I had to rank where to prioritize whatever resources you do have it would be as follows: (Most money/time to least money/time investment)
Microphone – yup, CLEAR audio is actually more critical than HD video
Lighting – Much more important than the camera. Take a well lit picture on your cell phone, then a poorly lit pic on an SLR. Which looks better? You can get great lighting for next to nothing if you google “home made lighting rigs”
Camera – your webcam, cell phone, or point & shoot are all more than good enough (if you have good audio and lighting)
Backdrop – buy a $10 piece of fabric and some clothespins – done. (or use a sheet)
Software – iMovie or Windows Movie maker are fine and free.
Good luck

Hi, I'm Zac Johnson. I first started making money online back in 1995, but when I launched my blog at ZacJohnson.com in 2007, that's when I realized the true power and potential of blogging. It's now my mission to provide you with the best resources and help you find more success with your blog. Heck, if you have the passion and work ethic you might even end up with your own little blogging empire!